The majority of today’s music is predictable. Nine times out of ten, a song will have the following structure: an opening verse, chorus, second verse, chorus, bridge, and the chorus again. This is the frame most songs, whether generic pop songs, country, rock, alternative songs, etc. will follow. As a music lover, I find myself getting bored with songs that follow this format, because it has been done so many times before. My favorite songs are often ones which break this mold and go down an original path. Songs like “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles is a perfect example. This song is literally two separate songs, written independently by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, put together into one. What I love about the song is the originality of the lyrics and the song’s layout. It has two incredible crescendos which leave the listener’s anxiety level slightly higher than when the song started, thanks to the clashing of symbols and drums. Its unpredictability leaves me coming back to “A Day in the Life” time and time again.
If you are searching for someone who aided the generic structure of pop songs, all drum sticks are pointed at Mr. Ludwig van Beethoven. During his creative time, this structure was revolutionary and genius. One of his most famous works, Symphony No. 5, has a similar song structure that is present in current day music. His Symphony No. 5 contains four distinct movements, similar to the verse, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus pattern of today’s music. That particular song has been played in other songs, movies, television, etc. and has clearly made an impact. The effect of this song, and other songs by Beethoven, have influenced music forever.
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